TAMPA, Fla. – Afternoon storms will once again dominate the week across Tampa Bay as humid air and highs near 90°F fuel daily thunderstorm chances through Friday. Drivers should prepare for slick roads and brief lightning delays during the late-day commute.
According to the National Weather Service in Tampa Bay, a 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms will develop after 2 p.m. each afternoon through midweek, tapering slightly by Thursday night. Winds from the east-northeast up to 15 mph may push heavier cells toward coastal areas during the evening hours.
Localized downpours could bring up to a quarter inch of rain in minutes, with isolated totals higher in thunderstorms. The pattern remains typical for early October but could impact outdoor events, school pickup times, and rush-hour traffic from Brandon to Clearwater.
Residents are advised to keep devices charged in case of brief power flickers and to head indoors at the first sign of lightning. Drier, slightly cooler air is expected to arrive by the weekend as skies clear Saturday into Sunday.
Five-Day Forecast for Tampa, FL
- Tuesday: High 90°F, 40% chance of afternoon storms
- Wednesday: High 90°F, slight chance of storms, partly sunny
- Thursday: High 89°F, 30% chance of storms, mostly sunny
- Friday: High 86°F, 30% chance of storms before 8 p.m.
- Saturday: Sunny, high 86°F, lower humidity
